fragile bird

The scent of another would become apparent to her, signifying his presence before he even spoke. Though the scent of fruits and plants was rather overwhelming here, the scent of another of her kind was always more evident. The smile that had once painted her gentle features would subside momentarily. Much like her father, she was an independent creature at heart, despite how fiercely she loved and cared for those around her. The sudden presence of another was enough to make her feel on edge, and she would stiffen her posture as she peered around the orchard for the stranger. Each step was careful and light, as though she were hardly more than a feather in the wind.

Her voice reached his ears before she caught sight of him. Eyes would widen as she swung around to face her, her features giving away the slight alarm that she couldn't help but feel. "Not at all, sir," she assured him readily, nodding warily. "I have never seen a place like this. It is beautiful, don't you think?" Unsure of his intentions, she remained standing nearby, poised lightly on all fours. He didn't seem to be a cruel man, so she would answer his question softly, creeping forward a few steps more. "I come here in search of berries. Elderberries, to be precise." She truly was an old soul trapped in a child's body; her words were carefully chosen and serious. Despite this, her youth was obvious, unable to be hidden -- from the way she stood, with her head cocked naively to the side, to the slight smile that threatened to erupt at a moment's notice. "And you, sir?"